Multicoupling device

Abstract

A multicoupling device for lines, especially hydraulic lines, wherein first and second coupling parts ( 7, 8 ) are provided with a plug ( 5 ) or a collar ( 6 ) for coupling units ( 1, 2 ) whose number corresponds to the number of connections to be produced. The coupling units ( 1, 2 ) are embodied in the form of a self-locking, snap coupling with a locking collar ( 9 ) which can be displaced in relation to the socket ( 6 ). The two coupling parts ( 7, 8 ) can be brought together via an operating element ( 10 ) and can be pressed apart and are mutually lockable in the coupling position. The locking collars ( 9 ) interact with a common switch plate ( 11 ). The operating element ( 10 ) is rotatably mounted on an axis ( 12 ) on the switch plate ( 11 ). The switch plate ( 11 ) can be adjusted in relation to one of the two coupling parts ( 7, 8 ) in the direction of closure or opening of the coupling units ( 1, 2 ). The two coupling parts ( 7, 8 ) can be moved by the operating element ( 10 ), which is mounted on the switch plate ( 11 ), by engagement with curved engagement slots with pins ( 14 ) that protrude from the other coupling part, in relation to each other in a closing and opening position.

1. Multicoupling device for lines, comprising coupling units ( 1 - 4 ), which are provided in a number corresponding to a number of connections to be produced and which each have a plug and a socket that receives the plug, and with first and second coupling parts ( 7 ,  8 ), wherein the plug is fixed to one of the coupling parts and the socket of a corresponding coupling unit is fixed on the other of the coupling parts, wherein the coupling units are embodied as self-locking snap couplings, the sockets each have a locking collar ( 9 ), which can be displaced in relation to the socket, wherein the two coupling parts can be brought together and pressed apart by means of operating elements and can be fixed relative to each other in the coupling position, wherein the locking collars ( 9 ) of the corresponding coupling units ( 1 - 4 ) interact with a switch plate ( 11 ), which is common for all of the coupling units ( 1 - 4 ) and which lies between the two coupling parts ( 7 ,  8 ), wherein the switch plate ( 11 ) can be adjusted relative to the first coupling part ( 7 ) in a closing and opening direction of the coupling units ( 1 - 4 ), and wherein the two coupling parts ( 7 ,  8 ) can be moved relative to each other by at least one operating element ( 10 ) mounted on the switch plate ( 11 ) with engagement via at least one curved engagement slot ( 13 ) and a pin ( 14 ) formed on the first coupling part ( 7 ) into closed and open positions and can be mutually locked in the closed position, the operating element ( 10 ) is held on the switch plate ( 11 ) so that it can rotate about an axis ( 12 ) that extends parallel to a plane of the switch plate ( 11 ); the axis ( 12 ) for receiving the operating element ( 10 ) is formed by a shaft mounted in the switch plate ( 11 ) or by two shaft stumps; the shaft ( 18 ) engages in an elongated hole ( 19 ) in a wall part ( 20 ) of the second coupling part ( 8 ) in a region between the switch plate ( 11 ) and the operating element ( 10 ); and the switch plate ( 11 ) can move independent of the locking collars ( 9 ). 
   
   
     2. Multicoupling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the two coupling parts ( 7 ,  8 ) can be automatically locked in the closed position by additional locking elements ( 15 ). 
   
   
     3. Multicoupling device according to  claim 2 , wherein the additional locking elements ( 15 ) are embodied as spring-loaded latching, automatically locking clips, pins, or bars. 
   
   
     4. Multicoupling device according to  claim 3 , characterized in that the clips, pins, or bars, can be brought into a released position by hand. 
   
   
     5. Multicoupling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the coupling parts ( 7 ,  8 ) and the switch plate ( 11 ) are guided by a common guide tube ( 16 ) located in a center region. 
   
   
     6. Multicoupling device according to  claim 5 , wherein the operating element ( 10 ) is rotationally fixed to the shaft ( 18 ), and the pin ( 14 ) interacts with the operating element ( 10 ). 
   
   
     7. Multicoupling device according to  claim 1 , wherein an activation lever ( 21 ) is attached to one or to both ends of the shaft ( 18 ) or to the two shaft stumps. 
   
   
     8. Multicoupling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one operating element ( 10 ) is placed on each of two ends of the shaft ( 18 ) or on the two shaft stumps. 
   
   
     9. Multicoupling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one operating element ( 10 ) includes engagement slots ( 13 ) and is arranged on two ends of the shaft ( 18 ), and an activation lever ( 21 ) is formed on only one operating element ( 10 ) arranged on one side. 
   
   
     10. Multicoupling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the switch plate ( 11 ) is spring-loaded in a direction towards the open position of the coupling units ( 1 - 4 ) and/or the locking collars ( 9 ) are spring-loaded in a direction of their locked position. 
   
   
     11. Multicoupling device according to  claim 1 , wherein a switch connecting link provided in an inner region between the coupling parts ( 7 ,  8 ) is formed by the operating element held on the shaft ( 18 ) and a pin held on the first coupling part ( 7 ). 
   
   
     12. Multicoupling device according to  claim 1 , wherein bearing sleeves ( 22 ) for the shaft ( 18 ) or the shaft stumps are provided on two opposing edges of the switch plate ( 11 ), the bearing sleeves ( 22 ) project past edges of the switch plate ( 11 ) and engage in elongated holes ( 19 ) in wall parts ( 20 ) of the second coupling part ( 8 ) and thus are guided so that they can move in the holes perpendicular to the axis ( 12 ). 
   
   
     13. Multicoupling device according to  claim 1 , wherein handles ( 24 ) for lifting and for transport are arranged on at least one of the coupling parts ( 7 ,  8 ) on two opposite sides.